Kevin Francis & Luisa Lubell
Thirteen-year-old Kevin Francis from Palm Desert, California won tonight's Junior Singer preliminary round. Kevin took the stage first, belting out the Diana Ross classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," in a performance that Naomi Judd called "extremely impressive," and prompted Matti Leshem to say "I think you have a chance of being in the Winners' Circle." Bringing some opera to STAR SEARCH, 12-year-old Luisa Lubell from Weston, Florida sang next, performing Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro." With 14 stars, Kevin won the first round, but would Matti Leshem's prediction become a reality?
Kevin Francis challenged David Archuleta, who stepped up to his fourth challenge this season with the song "Wind Beneath My Wings," made famous by Bette Midler. But with ten stars, it wasn't enough to keep his place in the Winners' Circle, and Kevin will return with Spensha and Mark on Saturday, March 6 at 8pm ET/PT.
Winners' Circle
Last week during the live show, the Winners' Circle members learned that they would be performing for the men and women of the U.S. Navy. What they didn't know was that each group would have to elect one leader to organize a group performance. The Junior Singers chose Spensha, who said, "I don't like telling people what to do, but that's part of being a leader."
Spensha, Mark and David rehearsed their group performance of "Amazing Grace" before heading to the naval base in San Diego, California. The rehearsals paid off, and the troops were moved by the Junior Singers' performance. Mark said it was a "great honor" to sing for the members of the Navy, and Spensha admitted she had a "soft spot for the military" because her father is in the Army, adding, "I really appreciate them fighting for their country."
After the performance at the Naval base, the Junior Singers focused on getting to the finals. David Archuleta said "I've survived three challenges, and I hope I'm still here for the finals."
|
